RAWALPINDI: The All Pakistan Hindu-Sikh Social Welfare Association on Thursday demanded that the government provide the Hindu community with representation in the local government, so that the community may highlight its problems.

Associaton president Jagmohan Kumar Arrora said that, like the Christian community, the Hindu community should also be provided representation in the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC).

He said the community has resided in Rawalpindi for 70 years with no representation.

“Many Hindus residing in the garrison city want to play an active role in the democratic system and raise their voices for their community, but there is no member appointed to minority seats from the Hindu community,” he said.

Among the problems facing the community is the condition of the Shamshanghat temple in Rawalpindi.

Former MNA Malik Shakil Awan said the Hindu community is scattered in the city and due to the small size of the community, it would be difficult to provide them with seats at the union council level.

However, he said the party would take up the issue to provide representation in RMC or in the district council. He said the party’s provincial chapter is preparing a list for minority communities, and the Hindu community’s request would be sent to Lahore.— A Reporter